Japan energy plan to keep nuclear as major source

TOKYO (AP) — Japan unveiled its first draft energy policy since the Fukushima meltdown three years ago, saying nuclear power remains an important source of electricity for the country.

The plan presented Tuesday to the Cabinet for approval in coming weeks, says Japan’s nuclear energy dependency will be reduced as much as possible. But it says reactors that meet new safety standards set after the 2011 nuclear crisis should be restarted.

The draft says nuclear, renewables and fossil fuel will provide Japan’s energy until about 2020. It did not specify the energy mix. It says Japan will continue its nuclear fuel recycling policy despite uncertainty at key facilities for the program.

All 48 Japanese commercial reactors have been offline for safety inspections since the crisis.